Burn After Reading: The Espionage History of World War II

by Ladislas Farago

Fought under the cover of elaborate deceptions and ruthless lies, the deadly intelligence operations of World War II produced victories and defeats that were often as important as any reached on the battlefield. A behind-the-scenes history of the war, this book offers an exciting picture of the whole range of clandestine activities, the various forms of intelligence, espionage and sabotage, subversion and counter-espionage--the entire secret war conducted apart from conventional warfare. The major exploits of the O.S.S., M.I.5, Abwehr, and the Deuxieme Bureau are described in colorful detail by an author considered one of the foremost civilian experts on intelligence during the war. Ladislas Farago's account of Allied and Axis spymasters at work offers compelling reading about real traitors and heroes in cloak-and-dagger-dom.

Genres: History, Espionage, World War II, Nonfiction, Military Fiction

336 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 1978

About the author

Ladislas Farago was a military historian and journalist who published a number of best-selling books on history and espionage, especially concerning the World War II era.

He was the author of Patton: Ordeal and Triumph, the biography of General George Patton that formed the basis for the film "Patton" and wrote The Broken Seal, one of the books that formed the basis for the movie ''Tora! Tora! Tora!''.

One of his more controversial books was Aftermath: Martin Bormann and the Fourth Reich .

Reviews

[Randy Kirkbride · Rating 4 out of 5]

Interesting overview of how each country approached espionage during World War 2

Book described the build-up and operations of the intelligence/espionage organizations for different World War 2 combatants, and how individuals contributed or hindered the efforts. The account provides an overview and did not go into the specifics of some of the more notable events. But that did not detract from the story. The end of the book was written a little differently in that it focused on the author's involvement in efforts to convince Japan to surrender. Unfortunately, those efforts were obscured by the use of the two atomic bombs.

[George · Rating 4 out of 5]

"...on December 2, 1941, what should have been an iron-clad tipoff was intercepted. A message from Tokyo instructed the Embassy in Washington to begin the destruction of codes, a certain indication that Japan was perparing for war." (from page 196 in book titled Burn After Reading (paperback edition) by Ladislas Farago, copyright 1961; chapter titled The Magic of the Black Chamber)

Pages 193-199 in chapter 7 (paperback edition) document the war warnings provided by Communications Intelligence prior to the Japanese Attack on Pearl Harbor (December 7, 1941).

[Roger Causey · Rating 3 out of 5]

Parts were interesting, parts were boring, and some of the authors conclusions I just disagree with.

[Al Lock · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is an excellent book which gives an insightful look into many (although far from all) of the intelligence operations around the world during World War II. It is far from exhaustive, and specifically skips those incidents that are well-known or covered extensively in other sources. Given when it was written, it does an especially fine job of covering the Soviet intelligence services. It also gives an insider's view of surrender negotiations with the Japanese. Anyone who thinks the dropping of the A-bombs were necessary to force Japan to surrender should read the last chapter.

[Ron · Rating 2 out of 5]

I read a lot of history. I really disagree with the reviews on this book. It felt like reading a dry encyclopedia. Some of the stories were interesting but too many people, dates and places. Chapters just seemed to go on and on with story after story with no analysis. I found myself skipping more and more as the book just went on and on.

[Roy Conboy · Rating 3 out of 5]

Fascinating history of an unknown part of WWII. The extent, the variety, and the crucial nature of this work was something to learn about. I can only surmise that it’s dwarfed by what goes on now. The writing itself was mediocre. The book’s interest came from the history.

[Wendy Smith · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great Read

Entertaining and extremely well-written chronicle of behind the scenes actual spy escapades of ww II. The 'dark war' actually had a lot more to do with both the progression and the winning of the war by the allies. The writer makes characters come alive with a fresh and imaginative writing style.

[Tom O'Malley · Rating 4 out of 5]

Enlightening Information

Good read about information most would never know. The wars within wars. The author provides an easy to read narrative covering both major theaters of WW II. The final section concerning Japan is colored by his participation and belief that the use of the atomic bombs was unnecessary.

[Ed Barton · Rating 4 out of 5]

Fun and Interesting Read

This book covers the espionage activities of the Allies and Axis during World War II. Utilizing an engaging storytelling approach, you will be able to picture and get to know some of the most important and interesting people and events of the war. A good, fun and quick read on an aspect of the war that is often overlooked.

[Annmarie McGlone · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was not a history buff of any kind. I was a 20 something going to visit my friend and wanted something to read on the plane. I borrowed this book from my older brother for the plane ride. I started reading it and could not put it down. It was a fascinating read and have reread it many times.

[James L. Ratledge · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another angle of the end of WW Two

We have been led to believe that the atomic bombs
were necessary to hasten the end of the second world war but this book plainly says otherwise.

[J DAVID SUGGS · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent factual history of Espionage in WWII

I commend the author of his precise research on bringing to light this concise history of Espionage in WWII. It is an excellent read for all history buffs as well as the casual reader.

[Joanne Murphy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Outstanding, the war with Japan would have ended without the use of atomic weapons.

Even non history buffs would enjoy, I had no idea of the loss of life by the people of France due to their resistance to Hitler.

[Bonnie Hershey · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good reading. The information given in this book on what what went on behind the scenes during the war was excellent.

[Daniel Patitz · Rating 5 out of 5]

A great story

I never realized the effect of Espionage on the Second World War I gave it very good factual based background of several cases

[frank leppa · Rating 5 out of 5]

A winner

A great summary of ww2 espionage . I've read complete books on some of the chapters. A good review of events.

[Albert · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book proves that liberating countries is not only soldiers, tanks, invasion and logistics. Liberation (or a war in general) starts with a long "war" of intelligence and deception. This book tells you everything about it and gives you a clear view of all what is necessary before you send in the troops. This is a classic "must read".

[Bill Yardley · Rating 5 out of 5]

The dedication of the code breakers who, day by day, hour by hour, pored over volumes of nonsensical letters and numbers seeking a pattern so that the messages could be read goes way beyond admiration. Yes, the soldiers on the front lines faced more dangers (I worked as a law enforcement officer; not the same, but similar) than the office workers, but they deserved more recognition than they received. "...They also serve those who stand and wait..." *
*- John Milton

[Frank Hickey · Rating 5 out of 5]

Farago does an excellent job of separating

rumor from fact.

His own background in military intelligence

makes this book clear and arresting.

I would recommend this book to anyone

interested in the real and gritty story of

true espionage.

**** Frank Hickey, writer of the Dancing Max

Royster crime novels about the world's only

ballroom dancing detective.

[Trebor · Rating 4 out of 5]

Espionage the unsung hero of war

I never considered how espionage and intelligence with all it entails could influence a battle's outcome or the war's. This book really explains the truth about each country's various spy, espionage, sabotage, misinformation, code breaking, and assassination efforts in fine detail. A must read for any WW 2 buff.